Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
Many women have reached out asking for help for their partners and husbands especially when it comes to a packing list for Europe. Fred Perrotta, founder of Tortuga Backpacks, has been kind enough to help us out with this task!
As a frequent traveler to Europe, his carry-on backpacks were inspired by his trip backpacking Europe. Sounds like the perfect guy for the job! Read on to find out what your male counterpart should pack for Europe.
Men’s Carry-on Packing List
Table Of Contents
Women aren’t the only ones who want to look good when they travel. Most guys don’t want to wear head-to-toe khaki or pants that zip off.
We have dignity too! Men want to be comfortable and attractive. Guys, you can pack light and look good if you remember two important lessons.
You can also use these Compass Rose packing cubes to help you pack light
Dress in layers
Layers will keep you warm without your having to pack any bulky, space-hogging clothes.
Pack clothes in muted colors that can be mixed and matched
Versatility is key. Three shirts and three pairs of pants should yield nine outfits, not three. Every shirt should match every pair of pants so that you can maximize your number of outfits while minimizing what you pack. I limit my color palette to grays and blues.
If you balance “performance fabrics” with classic wardrobe staples, you’ll feel comfortable and look good when you plan your packing list for Europe.
TShirt | Tee | Shirt 1 | Shirt 2 | Longsleeve | Sweater | Jeans 1 | Jeans 2 | Jacket 1 | Jacket 2 | Trousers | Shorts | Shoes | Boots | Beanie | Backpack
9 Piece Carry-on Packing List for Europe
Below is a packing list for Europe consisting of nine core items plus accessories which can easily fit into a carry on bag.
Feel free to substitute between categories depending on your destination’s weather.
Shop Sizes XS-XXXL: Nordstrom
2 T-Shirts
Start with the most versatile staple of a man’s wardrobe, the t-shirt. This Georgia Pima Cotton T-Shirt by Robert Barakett is a supremely soft pima cotton that adds to the everyday comfort of a closet-staple T-shirt with side vents.
American Apparel t-shirts provide the best balance of price with quality and consistent sizing. For performance fabrics that can wick moisture, I prefer Under Armour or Nike’s Dri-Fit line.
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: Unbound Merino
2 Mid-Layers
Mid-layers are thin, long-sleeved shirts that can be worn over a t-shirt in cool weather or between a t-shirt and another layer in colder weather.
Merino wool is the best fabric for a mid-layer shirt because it helps to regulate your body temperature. A wool mid-layer will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
For a mid-layer, try merino wool shirts like the Unbound Merino Long Sleeve Merino Crew. Ultra light & incredibly warm , it has all the benefits of 100% Merino wool T-shirts and made a sleek, versatile and ultra-soft long sleeve crew. Under Armour also makes ColdGear and HeatGear lines which can be helpful in extreme climates.
Shop Sizes XS-XXL: J.Crew
1 Button Down
Even if you’re dressing primarily for comfort when packing for Europe, you should always pack one nicer shirt for evenings out. You never know when a hot date could come up. Always be prepared. Most “wrinkle-free” dress shirts feel synthetic and look too shiny.
For your button down, you can choose one made of a natural material like cotton. An oxford cloth button down is a versatile staple for any man’s wardrobe. An oxford is appropriate in all but the most formal settings and can be worn under a heavier top layer.
Plus, it looks fine rumpled. J. Crew makes high-quality shirts for a reasonable price (especially if you wait for a sale). White or light blue are the best colors to maximize versatility.
Shop Sizes S-XXL: Quince
1 Outer Layer
For cooler weather, pack one additional layer that you can wear most of the time, at least in transit. The heavier the layer, the more difficult it is to pack.
Your outer layer depends on your personal style, where you’ll be traveling, and what you’ll be doing. Cardigans, unstructured blazers, hoodies or coat work well. Obviously, the first two are a bit nicer. If you dress well, you’ll have a better chance of scoring an upgrade on your flight. As the Art of Manliness suggests: dress sharp.
Shop Sizes 28-66: Amazon
1 Pair of Jeans
The travel community loves to argue about packing jeans because they’re heavy and can’t be washed quickly. Too bad. Jeans are another staple of men’s fashion. Every guy looks good in a pair of (properly fitted) jeans. Plus, jeans can be worn multiple times without being washed making them perfect for travel.
If packing space is at a premium, wear your jeans in transit. Jeans vary greatly in price and quality. You can find the classic Levi’s 501s for under $50, but high-end raw denim can cost over $200. If you think jeans are too restrictive, try Bonobos’s travel jeans which stretch a bit.
Shop Sizes 28-44: J. Crew
1 Pair of Chinos
Even if you live in denim like me, having an alternate pair of pants on your trip can help vary your look and prove that you do shower. Compared to jeans, chinos are lightweight and easy to pack.
Plus, they can be dressed up with a button down and leather shoes or dressed down with a t-shirt and sneakers. The Goodthreads
and J. Crew are both known for making quality chinos. Bluffworks also makes business-ready trousers made for the active lifestyle of a traveler. Check them out here. Review coming soon.
Shop Sizes 28-42: Nordstrom
1 Pair of Shorts
If the weather at your destination permits, pack a pair of shorts so that you aren’t drenched in sweat from your heavier pant options. Any of the brands linked work well.
Shop: Amazon
Shoes
Shoe choices depend on what you’ll be doing in your destination. If you’ll be covering several miles per day on foot, wear New Balances or, for a minimalist option, Nike Frees
. For more casual trips, I prefer Sperry boat shoes or boots like these ones from Blundstone, travel author Rolf Potts’ brand of choice.
Bombas Merino Wool Blend Crew Socks
Accessories
For less visible items, I always opt for performance over fashion when packing for Europe. Underwear and socks don’t need to look cool. But, if you cheap out on these accessories, you can be very uncomfortable.
For undergarments, try ExOfficio underwear and Bombas Merino Wool Blend Crew Socks or Smartwool socks. Both brand will help regulate your temperature, keep you dry, and prevent odors.
Where To? Girls, share this post with your guys, so you’re not stuck traveling with a schlub. Guys, now you can travel light and look good. So, where are you headed, you handsome devil?
Don’t forget to check out Tortuga Backpacks for your trip to Europe. If you’re a well-traveled guy or know someone that is, we’d love to hear your packing tips! Contact me for more details.
What are your men’s packing tips for Europe?
Please visit these pages for women’s Packing Lists for Europe:
- 10 Step Packing Guide for Europe
- What to Wear in Europe: Packing List for Every Destination
- The Only Backpacking Packing List for Europe You’ll Ever Need!
- How to Avoid Looking Like a Backpacker in Europe
LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
We are sailing to Europe next Spring/Summer from Dubai to Barcelona, then visiting Spain, Portugal for April/May then onto Amsterdam for a Danube cruise to Budapest. Flying to Scotland at the end of May for a week of golf, then a barge trip on the Canal du Midi md June.
Finishing with the Orient Express London to Venice then early July in Crete. I would love to use a capsule wardrobe for both my husband I. Do you think this possible?
Hi Vicki, definitely!
A good place to start is to take a look at TFG’s Four Signature Packing Lists for ideas for a capsule wardrobe and how many clothing items you could pack: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/functional-and-fashion-packing-list/ The packing lists show you how to pack light and have the right clothes no matter the destination or the length of the journey and can apply to you and your husband.
The point of our capsule wardrobes is that you use the principles behind them, not the exact clothing shown. Depending on your preferences, you can choose more bottoms, fewer dresses, more tops – you can adjust the combination based on your needs!
Then for tips to help you adapt your packing list for your trip, check out this 10 step guide which also includes links to all our European destination guides: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guide-europe/
I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their travel advice and recommendations and this is a common query.
Hope this helps. Happy travels! 💜
Do you recommend the same packing list for carry on traveling to Ireland in March and would you add for cold weather?
Hi Robin, thank you for reaching out! The packing lists show you how to pack light and have the right clothes no matter the destination or the length of the journey. For packing for Ireland for the weather, check out this guide: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-ireland-packing-list-ideas-for-dublin/. The product images shown are simply to provide you with an understanding of general principles you can use, then you can adapt the items to suit your own style and preferences. Here is a helpful guide that explains more about how to use our guides: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-use-the-travel-fashion-girl-packing-lists-and-guides/
I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and experiences. Hope this helps. Have an amazing trip to Ireland! ?
Any hints for travel duing a rainy season?
I’m going to Spain over Christmas. What should i bring to look stylish yet still be comfortable?
Hi Andrew, thank you for reaching out. For any destination, so long as you’re dressed appropriately for the weather, the culture, and your planned activities, your aim should always be to dress for your personal comfort level vs trying to blend in. December in Spain is wintertime and there is a misconception that Spain is always warm. I was even told I wouldn’t need a winter jacket in Madrid. This is not true! Temperatures may not get crazy low in Madrid, and snow is really rare, but wind chill and rain call for weatherproof accessories. Make sure you check the weather forecast to ensure you have packed the most appropriate clothing. Sorry we could not have been of more help with your packing. Have a wonderful time! ?
Thanks for posting! I found this extremely helpful in helping someone like me (unorganized) pack for Europe.
Cheers!
Yay, so pleased you found the article helpful Matthew!! Happy travels!
Thanks for this list! Many similar lists swear by merino wool tshirts and shirts – those just don’t work for me (I find them itchy and rather expensive). Would be great to have a similar packing list for those on a slightly smaller budget.
Hello Alex,.
I just found out this blog. Great tips.
How about travelling to Europe in Mid March? Sometimes a guy like me just need a bit of advice.
Thank you.
Hi Franklin, thank you so much, so pleased you have found the blog helpful! You may also find this article helpful, it has some tips to help men with their packing: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-italy-dress-like-a-local/ Hope this helps. Have an awesome trip!!
I’ve been reading that October is not that cold. We’re going to visit Rome, Florence, Venice & Amalfi Coast. 10/12-28/18 what type of coloring should we take? Thank you !
Hi Carmen, have a look at this 10 step packing guide to Italy for some ideas: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-italy/ Hopefully it will help you to get started with planning your packing. For other suggestions take a look at this TFG post: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-the-amalfi-coast/ Hope you have a fantastic trip to Italy! 🙂
Hi Alex. I will also be in Italy in Oct. 2 weeks from the 5th to the 19th. Rome, Naples, Amalfi and Sicily. Do you have any packing guides for men relative to Italy in the fall? Seems like we could have both warm and cooler weather which makes packing for 2 weeks a challenge. Thanks!
Hi Alex, have a look at this TFG article about packing for Italy, it also has some packing tips for men: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-italy-dress-like-a-local/ The best tip is to monitor the forecast for your specific trip dates to ensure that you have the most appropriate clothing. Have a fabulous trip to Italy! 🙂
Hi Alex, Thanks for this awesome list. I gonna follow your ideas. Very good hack.
Thumb up
Hi Somchai, thank you so much for your comment! Glad you enjoyed the article! 🙂
Hi! My husband and I will be in Paris , Amsterdam and the in a cruise on the Rhine at the end of October . I saw your recommendation for fall in Europe for women but we will be doing a cruise and a medical conference so we “have to “ look classy and cool” 😉 .
1)What shoes would you recommend for men to look fancy but to walk non stop in Paris for 9 hours a day ?
I got me to booties From Naturalizer what about the guys ?
2) best jacket for fall ( warm and water resistant ) for guys ( and women) that doesn’t break the bank 😉
Hi Viviana, thank you for reaching out. For recommendations for a jacket for fall for yourself, have a look at our different options here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/14-fall-coats-that-make-stylish-travel-jackets/ You may also find our 10 step guide to Europe helpful for ideas for what to pack for your trip: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guide-europe/ I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps. Have an incredible time on your trip! ??
Skip the jeans and shorts. I went to Northern Italy last year and wore shorts on a nice 72 degree day in Florence and was the only person town over the age of 8 that was wearing shorts.
Great tip Brian! Thanks for commenting. Bottom line, what is important is to wear what makes you comfortable! If it is boiling hot and you’ll be uncomfortable in pants then I’d definitely say to wear shorts and stick out a little 😉
Thank you for all the great tips
My husband and I are traveling to Italy this September
Great web site
Thanks Julie 🙂
I agree with everything in this article. The best point is about balancing performance fabrics with wardrobe staples.
Thank you for your comment Sabrina! Your point is spot on! We love fabrics and clothing that is comfortable yet functional! Happy travels!
How many pairs of underwear will a guy need for two weeks?
It is heavy. Should I do hand wash. Will it dry overnight?
Hi Jody, thank you for reaching out. It would depend on each individuals preferences, but if a guy packed three pairs, then that technically means six because let’s face it; they can get double use by turning them inside out ?
You might find this article helpful for tips for hand washing when traveling: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/step-by-step-tutorial-how-to-hand-wash-clothing-when-travelling/ Hope this helps. Have a wonderful time on your travels!
I just shared this with my husband for some tips for our upcoming trip. Thanks Alex for all the great tips on your blog.
Thanks Christine! We have an awesome team of writers putting together the best of the best for you 🙂